Utilizing Gamification to Enhance the User Experience

One of the most prominent trends in the field of user experience is gamification. It involves integrating gaming elements into digital products like apps or websites. Gamification aims to improve the user experience by tapping into one of humanity's fundamental joys: playing games and problem-solving.

By incorporating online computer games, game-like interfaces, and gaming principles into digital products, gamification endeavors to improve the user experience of applications and websites.

"We facilitate seamless integration of our games onto any website," states Yuval Koren, CEO of PiKoYa. The company specializes in developing, producing, and distributing content enjoyed by millions worldwide. Through its game development studio, Monstera Games, PiKoYa has been crafting and distributing hundreds of HTML5-based online games in recent years. These games are available on top gaming and content websites globally.

"Our solution enables seamless game embedding for any website owner—with just the push of a button," explains Koren. "We offer a comprehensive package—from integrated gaming channel design and implementation to storage and support. It's a win-win situation for all; website owners and users alike receive unique, enjoyable, and engaging content."

In recent years, as Koren confirms, embedding games on websites has become more widespread beyond gaming companies. Indeed, companies from various content sectors are now embracing gamification to enrich their user experience. "Many major portals recognize the value of adding gaming to their content mix. Just like the games section in newspapers, these portals now feature embedded games on their websites. A prime example is the full gaming channel we created for the Walla portal."

Among the diverse array of games crafted by Monstera studio, you'll find classics like Tic Tac Toe and Sudoku, as well as unique and original games with complex interfaces. "We operate in realms that value connections, interaction, excitement, and enjoyment. Our games cater to a wide variety of audiences."

Successful and compelling content with a single click

Yuval Koren's fascination with computer games began at a young age. "When I was seven years old and received my first computer game as a gift, I knew I wanted to be part of this field," he recalls. "After completing my army service and studying at the Technion, I founded PiKoYa along with David Yanay, VP of Technology, and Roni Pinahsik, VP of Research. We were three young and ambitious partners with a vision to develop automatic advertising systems."

Founded in 2009, the company swiftly established itself as a prominent digital content and marketing figure. "Fueled by our passion for gaming, we cultivated strong ties within the gaming industry," Koren explains. "A defining moment came in 2015 when we took the plunge into in-house game development. With just a team of three, we created our first project. Much to our surprise, our game won the GameIs award for the best Israeli indie game of 2015, giving us a significant boost in motivation and confidence in our abilities."

Based on the momentum of their initial success, the founding team of PiKoYa established Monstera Studio. "Initially, our focus was on promoting our own games, much like we did for our clients," Koren explains. "After achieving several successes, Google approached us with a collaboration offer. This partnership allowed us to embed our games on other companies' websites. We developed a platform that enables website owners to effortlessly add our games and enrich their websites with engaging content at the click of a button. This platform embodies all our expertise accumulated over the past 15 years in technology, gaming, and content creation."

"We believe in human connections"

Nowadays, PiKoYa partners with a diverse range of companies that have a digital presence. "We're delighted to partner with any company seeking growth through content and games," Koren explains. "The integration of games can enhance engagement with existing audiences while also attracting new visitors who discover the website through the games. One of our key strengths lies in our ability to tailor the game experience to fit seamlessly within the client's website, transforming the game channel into an organic and integral site component. A prime example is The New York Times' integration of the Wordle game. Thanks to its popularity, the website experienced a significant increase in visits and registrations, welcoming millions of new users."

Since its founding, PiKoYa has been headquartered in Haifa, employing dozens of workers. "It's quite unusual in the high-tech sector, but as residents of northern Israel, it was crucial for us to establish a robust company that contributes to local employment," emphasizes Koren. "Beyond technology and content, we prioritize communication and human connections. Even in a competitive and dynamic market, we are committed to upholding our core values: fairness, high-quality standards, and maintaining transparent relationships with our clients, partners, and suppliers. We believe that our content should honor those who consume it; it must be of top-notch quality, original, reliable, and, above all, highly enjoyable. In addition to our studio, our team includes software developers, researchers, media experts, and numerous content writers, as well as artists, videographers, and sound professionals. Our goal is to deliver a top-quality product that captivates users and keeps them coming back for more."

www.pikoya.com >>

Partnered with PiKoYa